Assemblywoman Galef Announces 2009 Senior Forum

June 10, 2009

Assemblywoman Sandy Galef has announced her annual Senior Forum, which every year brings together over 100 seniors from the 90th AD for an informative and engaging morning. This year’s Forum will be held on July 9, 2009 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, at Cortlandt Town Hall, 1 Heady Street, Cortlandt Manor and is also being sponsored by Hudson Valley Hospital Center.

The theme for this year’s Galef Forum is “Let’s Enjoy the Hudson Valley as We Celebrate the Quadricentennial,” a day to learn about tourism opportunities in and around the Westchester and Putnam communities such as historical sites and places that are fun for the whole family, with a special focus on local Quadricentennial events occurring throughout the summer and fall. Much of the 90th AD is located along the Hudson River, giving many communities in Galef’s district a special connection to the Quadricentennial, the celebration of the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson’s historic voyage up the river that is now named after him.

“It’s a great time to get out and enjoy all the Hudson Valley has to offer,” Galef said. “While this is a difficult economic time, there are places to visit and things to do all summer long in the area for little or no cost. Going out and visiting new places, trying new restaurants, this is entertainment that is affordable and at the same time you can support the local economy.”

The morning begins with a breakfast provided by Hudson Valley Hospital Center, followed by storyteller Jonathan Kruk who will present a short story of the journey that Henry Hudson faced. Following Mr. Kruk, Barbara Fratianni, Assistant Director of the Hudson-Fulton Champlain Quadricentennial Commission, will present information on local and statewide Quadricentennial events. Kim Sinistore, the Director of Westchester Tourism, will discuss local Quadricentennial and county events that are being planned, as well as sites in Westchester County that are exciting for seniors to visit. Valerie Hickman, Director of the Putnam County Visitors Bureau, will be discussing information on Putnam’s tourism sites and Quadricentennial events occurring in Putnam County. John Dennehey, Senior Planner for the Hudson River Valley Greenway and the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, will present regional information on the area’s historical sites.